Exploring the Noosa Everglades

By Water

There are only two commercial operators in the Noosa Everglades;

  • Kanu Kapers who offer guided and self guided kayaking tours www.kanukapersaustralia.com/

  • Habitat Noosa who offer Boat rides and Canoe hire www.habitatnoosa.com.au/

There are some operators who do proclaim to offer tours in the Noosa Everglades however you will find yourself floating around the Southern Noosa River, next to suburbia, so make sure you know what you are signing up for.

You can certainly explore the Noosa Everglades yourself if you have access to your own water craft. Launching from either Boreen Point Boat Ramp or Elanda Point Canoe Launch. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time!

NOTE for boats: Much of the Noosa Everglades system is a ‘no wash’ zone. So make sure you plan for this in your timings.

By Foot

There are a number of ways to access the Noosa Everglades on Foot.

Cooloola Wilderness Trail

You can walk the Cooloola Wilderness Trail which starts from Elanda Point, however please be aware that a bridge has been washed out that crosses Kin Kin Creek so there is a small swim section for that.

Cooloola Great Walk

The Cooloola Great Walk is one of the most incredible wilderness walks that you can undertake. It is set among an increasing rare coastal atmosphere where there are almost zero houses or vehicles. You can undertake this 5 day hike by yourself or with the only commercial operators on the trail, Adventure Tribe https://www.outdooradventureaustralia.com/cooloola-great-walk-5-days

By vehicle

There really is only one way to access the Noosa Everglades via vehicle and that is via Harry’s Hut.

This is often a very long, rough and wet ride along unsealed National Park Roads. Road condition does tend to depend on when it was last graded and what the weather has been like since it was completed.

We recommend only 4WD vehicles to go down this road and sometimes you will need to be a high clearance 4WD.

Visiting the upper Noosa River?

Cooloola Recreation Area

Permits

Permits required before camping 13 74 68 https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/camping/bookings

Certain activities (in addition to camping) require a permit or licence. This ensures the management of Cooloola and its use is ecologicaly sustainable.

These activities include;

  • Group activities (including weddings and large organised groups)

  • Commercial activities (including commercial photography, tours, advertising or promotions)

Contact Permit and Licence Management Unit online at www.derm.qld.gov.au or phone 13 74 68 (13 QGOV)

Look after the park

The upper Noosa River is a remote area - help can be hours away. Ensure a friend or family member have details of your travel plans. As a minimum, it is recommended that you pack the following items;

  • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

  • Mobile Phone (with powerbank or similar charger)

  • First aid kit, map, compass

Be prepared for disaster

Floods, wildfires, cyclones and storms could occur without warning.

  • Check bureau of meterology weather forecasts and warnings www.bom.gov.au or phone (07) 3239 8700

  • Check the Cooloola conditions report for park closures or warnings www.derm.qld.gov.au or phone 13 74 68

  • Tune to local ABC radio station for updated warnings and advice

In an emergency call 000

  • If you have trouble calling 000, try 112

Camping

  • Use a fuel stove - campfires are not permitted.

  • Take all rubbish home - don’t burn, bury or put it into the toilets.

  • Treat all water collected from the river or water tanks before drinking.

Water safety

  • Swimming is not recommended - the river is not patrolled

  • Do not dive or jump into the water - submerged obstacles are common

Fishing

  • Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries regulations apply.

  • Help protect turtles and eels - use lures rather than live bait.